渊 (yuān) - Abyss, deep pool & profound, deep knowledge

渊Tone 1

yuān ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

喻悦

渊 · yuān

Abyss, deep pool;

profound, deep knowledge;

origin, source.

Abyss, deep poolprofound, deep knowledgeorigin, source.

Usage highlights

Profound knowledgeAbyssSource of evilDeep and stillDeep waterFount of wisdom

Synonyms

  • 深— deep
  • 博— vast, extensive (in knowledge)
  • 源— source, origin

Antonyms

  • 浅— shallow
  • 浮— superficial

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The profound knowledge of the classics (渊博的知识).
  • He fell into the abyss of despair (绝望的深渊).
  • This is the origin of the problem (问题的渊薮).
  • A deep and tranquil pond (渊潭).

Collocations

  • Profound knowledge(渊博)
  • Abyss(深渊)
  • Source of evil(渊薮)
  • Deep and still(渊静)
  • Deep water(渊水)
  • Fount of wisdom(智慧之渊)

Idioms

  • As deep as an abyss(如临深渊)
  • Profound and unmeasurable(渊深莫测)
  • Accumulate virtue to become profound(积善成渊)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Daoist and classical texts, '渊' often symbolizes the mysterious, unfathomable source of the Dao.
  • Used positively to describe immense depth of knowledge or character in a person.
  • Can carry a slightly dangerous connotation when referring to a literal abyss or risk.

FAQ